{"product_id":"carpro-essence-extreme-gloss-primer","title":"CARPRO Essence: EXTREME Gloss Primer","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCARPRO Essence: EXTREME Gloss Primer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 18pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eThe Future of Gloss...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eCARPRO is turning the wheels of innovation once again!! CARPRO Essence is a unique blend of nano-tech quartz, high gloss durable resins, and fine abrasives that are blended together at a microscopic level to form something truly ground breaking! CARPRO Essence leaves an amazing high gloss finish with semi-permanent fillers and protective capabilities all built in!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003ePaired with a \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/carpro-microfiber-heavy-cutting-pad-5\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Microfiber Cutting Pad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Essence is capable of unexpected cutting power, while a \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/carpro-gloss-pad-5\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Gloss Pad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e armed with Essence provides gloss we could only dream of until now! But this is not simply a polish…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eIn less than the time you take to polish a car with conventional products, CARPRO Essence is capable of removing swirls, building your clear coat thicker, leaving higher gloss, and laying down a semi-permanent coat of protection! Oh… and it wipes off like a dream!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eEssence also leaves a perfectly smooth, deep, reflective, primed layer to build on with \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/protection\/cquartz-uk-3-0-30ml-kit\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCQUARTZ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/protection\/carpro-reload-500ml-17oz\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Reload\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e! The primer attribute in Essence makes application of \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/protection\/cquartz-uk-3-0-30ml-kit\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCQUARTZ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e easier than ever and bonds together seamlessly, forming a shell of extreme gloss and protection!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003ePrimes surface for \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/protection\/cquartz-uk-3-0-30ml-kit\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCQUARTZ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/protection\/carpro-reload-500ml-17oz\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Reload\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eProduces extremely high gloss\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eSemi-permanent filling capabilities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eAdds layer of SiO2 protection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eUse with D\/A, rotary, or by hand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable Sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAvailable in \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e250 ml\u003c\/span\u003e, 500 ml, 1 liter \u0026amp; 1 gallon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrep:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eWash, decontaminate, compound, and prep vehicle for polishing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirections:\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eShake well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eFor more cut use \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/carpro-microfiber-heavy-cutting-pad-5\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Microfiber Cutting Pad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and prime well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eFor finicky and soft paints use Microfiber Pad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eFor maximum gloss use sparingly with \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/carpro-gloss-pad-5\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Gloss Pad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eSpread evenly across section on low speed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003ePolish on medium speed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eClean pad often.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eClean pads ands towels immediately after use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecautions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eDo not ingest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eKeep out of reach of children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestions \u0026amp; Answers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #3366ff; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=t\u0026amp;rct=j\u0026amp;q=\u0026amp;esrc=s\u0026amp;source=web\u0026amp;cd=1\u0026amp;cad=rja\u0026amp;uact=8\u0026amp;ved=0ahUKEwiH1cetpajOAhXFYyYKHdmGAuIQFggeMAA\u0026amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarproforum.com%2Fshowthread.php%3F3911-CarPro-Essence-Definitive-Guide-Thread\u0026amp;usg=AFQjCNEZotnC1ZHaPddXxusuuEwItQcJcQ\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Essence Definitive Guide Thread - CARPRO Forum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 - What is CARPRO Essence?  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eCARPRO Essence is a semi-permanent SiO2 extreme gloss enhancer, finishing polish, primer, and coat in one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2- Do I have to use Eraser between Essence and CQUARTZ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eTheoretically speaking you could skip use of Eraser if Essence was properly used via machine BUT it is hard to measure if you polished the lubricants in the Essence down far enough and so we do recommend using \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/deep-cleanse\/carpro-eraser-500ml-17oz\/\"\u003eEraser\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eto be 100% safe.  If possible, wait at least an hour after Essence before using Eraser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eIf your using Essence by hand then we recommend you use \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/deep-cleanse\/carpro-eraser-500ml-17oz\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eEraser\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e before coating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 - How long does CARPRO Essence last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eWe expect 1 year on its own BUT we recommend applying Reload or CQUARTZ over top for the much better hydrophobics and dirt resistance. This will provide 115+ deg contact angle instead of 90 deg contact angle (not so good) with Essence alone.  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4 - So, I can use Essence with CQUARTZ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, any CQUARTZ coating and any of our CARPRO Nano Sealants like Reload will work great. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5 - How does it work if you use it between the paint and CQUARTZ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eIt bonds to the paint, the CQUARTZ bonds to it and merges. The SiO2\/resin in it are heat activated by the machine polishing process. If using by hand or in very cold temps you should Eraser the vehicle before coating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6 - So, if this has SiO2 quartz protection inside it why are you guys telling me to top it with Reload or CQUARTZ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eGreat question! The protection is there as we stated BUT the contact angle of the water beads and the dirt repellency is not very good\/not on par with Reload or CQUARTZ. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7 - Is CARPRO Essence super easy to use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, usually extremely easy! It is but there are always other variables. As always there can be a little learning curve on some paints. If you run into a paint where it seems to stick a bit then you need to change your pad type and or your machine speed, arm speed, or pressure. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eOn very soft paints especially (because it sticks to soft paint easier) consider the following method: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eUse a microfiber pad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eSpread super fast on speed 1.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eRaise speed to about 3-4 depending on the machine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eUsing minimal pressure (about a pound or so + weight of machine) use VERY slow arm movement across the section and go only one single pass. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eFinally for some paints, consider faster arm movement with half bites into the section, backing up, and then moving forward to avoid any sticking of product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8 - What if I leave a spot that seems like the Essence stuck to it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eSimply apply a dot of Essence on the area, run over it with fast arm speed, and immediately wipe off the residue. It may simply wipe off with a suede and a dot of Essence as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9 - When should I wipe off the residue?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eOn some paints you could actually leave it there an hour and it is still super easy to wipe off. On soft or porous paints we recommend wiping off immediately after each section.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 - What about my pads... Do I need to clean them after use to avoid them becoming \"crispy\" with SiO2?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, clean your pads very well with APC\/water after use. During use it doesn’t harden due to the repeated saturation of more Essence on the pad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11 - What about my microfiber wiping towels?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, wash your towels well or soak them after use if you can’t place them in the washer soon after.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12 - So what are the biggest benefits to using CARPRO Essence?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eThere are a LOT of applications and benefits where Essence excels beyond anything previously available. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eGloss on another level.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eHours saved per vehicle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eEase of finishing even the most difficult paints.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eThickening of the coating (Essence builds a glossy and reflective quartz coat) which bonds with the paint and merges with CQUARTZ or Reload if we apply it after Essence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003ePPF… We all know its not the best looking means of protection… so this was a really cool find… PPF and clear bras LOVE CARPRO Essence! The clarity and gloss of PPF is VERY visibly enhanced when Essence is used on top.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13 - How much cut is in Essence? How large are the abrasive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eEssence uses the same abrasives from \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/compounds\/carpro-reflect-high-gloss-finishing-polish-500ml\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eReflect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e but less of them. However, due to the viscosity and balance of a number of other ingredients we do see an unexpected amount of cut on some paints (especially when paired with a Microfiber Cutting Pad).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14 - Is this some kind of marketing nonsense? \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eNo.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15 - Can I use CARPRO Essence without compounding first?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eThat depends… certainly you can and certainly it will produce excellent gloss. As for durability this would be theoretically ill-advised. On many paints it will also cut FAR more than you can imagine in concert with a Microfiber Cutting Pad. As far as how durable it will be and what your goal is you should compound first to remove oxidation and scratches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eIn other words if the paint is not in good condition or is oxidized and you want to have long term protection then you SHOULD compound first.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eAs for the finish and deeper swirls… that is what test sections are for – when choosing if Essence provides the cut you desire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e16 - What about Essence topped with \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/wheels-trim\/carpro-hydro2-touchless-sealant-500ml-concentrate\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eCARPRO Hydro2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e? Or \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/wash\/carpro-hydro2-foam-500ml-17oz\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eHydrofoam\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, in this case I would advise that you wait until the vehicles next visit or anytime after 5 days to apply Hydro2 or wash with Hydrofoam. In my experience using Essence and then maintaining with CARPRO Hydrofoam = Magic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e17 - How long until it can get wet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e1 hour before you should allow release into water. BUT remember we are applying Reload or CQUARTZ over the top so if CQUARTZ is the choice for topping then CQUARTZ will still need its cure time to avoid water spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18 - If my car already is in good condition... recent decon, polishing, and now has wax on it can I simply use Essence? Or do I need to strip the existing protection first?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eThis I'm not sure... A little too many variables - with some wax, sealants, and the right pad and pad cleaning etc it would be fine BUT I wouldn't risk it. I would kill the wax off well with strong \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/wash\/carpro-ironx-snow-soap-500ml-17oz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eIron X Snow Soap\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e cleaning, then proceed. We may update this after we have enough field testing to prove otherwise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19 - What is the shelf life expectancy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e1 Year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20 - Should I strip existing protection if paint is in great shape to apply Essence?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, I would strip the wax or sealant as a minimum prep step.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21 - How much should I apply? Like a polish... or sparingly like a coating?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eMore like a polish. For using the CARPRO Gloss pad we apply sparingly for most paints. With Microfiber Pad we use more.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e22 - How far will the 5oz bottle go?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e2-5 cars depending on the goal, the paint, the pad, and more\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e23 - Can Essence be used as sort of a paint prep product on a well corrected vehicle that already has CQUARTZ and\/or Reload on it, then follow with CQUARTZ and\/or Reload again?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eYes, you can use it to \"heal\" a damaged existing CQUARTZ coating. Keep in mind that it's possible to damage some of the existing CQUARTZ hydrophobic surface when you \"heal\" any micro marring with Essence but if you are coating again over the top then it should be a moot point. If you are not coating again over the top then you are trading - fixing the light marring for a less hydrophobic and dirt repellant surface.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e24 - Does this have to be used with CQUARTZ or Reload or can I use something else as a LSP or do I even need to worry about using a LSP?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eWe believe you can use a lot of different LSP that work well with this. We haven't tested others products with it so not positive the results but that is our estimate. I would wait a bare minimum of an hour if applying a sealant or wax with high solvent content in it. You might test that further before doing an entire car to see if an hour is enough. I know one of our friends is planning on moving to Essence as their prep for their high grade Carnauba Wax service. After they have tested thoroughly I will try to remember to update here. Also see Q\u0026amp;A # 3.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25 - What color foam pad is recommended for this? I despise MF Pads.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eShort answer - Scholl Concepts Spider Pad (\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/skys-the-limit-5-1-2-one-step-navy-spider-pad\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eBlue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/polish-pads\/skys-the-limit-5-1-2-finishing-honey-spider-pad\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eHoney\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003eLong answer - This is a tough one to answer (so many variables again)... It will work with any foam pad really BUT depending on the paint you may have more or less luck with different pads. The issue is this \"sticking\" the product seems to do on some paints (more in certain environments) On a Microfiber Pad that seems to be a much shorter learning curve to avoid. I personally tested on Meguiar's Microfiber Pad (both cutting and finishing, CARPRO Gloss Pads, Orange Buff \u0026amp; Shine, and Scholl Concepts Spider Pads (worked well) and a yet to be mentioned pad... \u003cimg class=\"inlineimg\" title=\"Smile\" src=\"http:\/\/carproforum.com\/images\/smilies\/smile.png\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e26 - How do I use CARPRO Essence?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003ePlease read the instructions on the bottom of the description page of Essence, see our application video on the video tab, and visit our forum \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/carproforum.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/carproforum.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e27 - Still unsure if Essence is the right polish for you?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.carpro-us.com\/choosing-the-right-carpro-compound\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #3366ff;\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto find out if Essence is the right polish for the job\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: verdana, geneva;\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"__mce_add_custom__\" title=\"carpro-polishing-sheets-essence.png\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-e27d9\/product_images\/uploaded_images\/carpro-polishing-sheets-essence.png\" alt=\"carpro-polishing-sheets-essence.png\" width=\"3508\" height=\"1990\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n                \u003c!-- snippet location product_description --\u003e","brand":"CarPro","offers":[{"title":"250 ml","offer_id":54283566088476,"sku":"ES25","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 ml","offer_id":54283566121244,"sku":"ES50","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000ml","offer_id":54283566154012,"sku":"ES1L","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":54283566186780,"sku":"ES4L","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0942\/4696\/1436\/files\/essence_New_2026_Thumbnail__95466.1782933076.png?v=1783442339","url":"https:\/\/famousautodetailsupplies.com\/es\/products\/carpro-essence-extreme-gloss-primer","provider":"Famous Detail Academy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}